Laurel’s Substack

ON REJECTION AND SALLY MANN

One of the things you’re supposed to learn in school—particularly grad school—particularly MFA programs—is how to take criticism.

Dec 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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November 2025

October 2025

I’M EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE

My new book, The Sky Weeps with Us, will be released by Finishing Line Press in January 2025.

Oct 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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September 2025

DON’T LET YOUR VOICE BE STOLEN

“Feminist” seems like a dirty word these days, as if being a feminist negates all the other things one is—or as if being a feminist means hating men…

Sep 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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August 2025

THE SOUL OF THE THING

Where are the spaces for quiet contemplation?

Aug 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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July 2025

WHAT'S IMPORTANT MIGHT NOT ACTUALLY BE WHAT'S IMPORTANT

It’s crazy out there.

Jul 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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June 2025

What Makes a Piece of Art Stick?

Yesterday, Van and I saw Eurydice by Sara Ruhl at Signature Theatre in New York.

Jun 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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May 2025

THE JOY OF SPEAKING OUR MINDS

On April 12 my husband and I attended the celebration for Norwalk’s newest poet laureate, Katherine E.

May 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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April 2025

WRITER'S BLOCK

I thought of putting up that title and then just leaving the page empty, but we’re writers, and even when we have writer’s block, there’s always…

Apr 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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March 2025

STORY-MAKING AND STORYTELLING:

David Goldblatt’s Photographs

Mar 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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February 2025

WELL, AUSTRALIA’S OUT

Remember a couple months ago when I mentioned that leaving the country seemed like the sane answer to the election?

Feb 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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January 2025

THE SQUIRREL IS A WRIGGLING POEM

Attila the Hun of the deck, his very own Gaul,

Jan 1 • 

Laurel S. Peterson

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